Security forces say seven militants linked to Fitna Al Khwarij were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Hangu, while a 27-year-old Army captain embraced martyrdom.
HANGU: Security forces killed seven militants during an intelligence-based operation in Hangu district, while a Pakistan Army captain was martyred during an intense exchange of fire, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Saturday.
According to an ISPR statement issued Aug. 8, the operation was conducted on Aug. 7 following reports of the presence of militants associated with what the military described as the Indian-sponsored Fitna Al Khwarij.
Troops engaged the militant position during the operation. ISPR said the militants took refuge inside a mosque during the exchange of fire, which it described as a disregard for the sanctity of the place of worship.
Seven militants were killed in the ensuing firefight, according to the military. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from those killed. ISPR said the militants had been involved in terrorist activities targeting security forces and law enforcement personnel, as well as attacks that killed civilians.
Captain Hamza Akram, 27, from Narowal district, was also killed during the operation. According to ISPR, he was leading his troops from the front and continued pursuing the militants before making the ultimate sacrifice.
Following the operation, security forces launched a sanitization operation in the area to search for and eliminate any remaining militants.
The military said the operation is part of the ongoing counterterrorism campaign under Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan.
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